St. Jerome
1591
From the collection of Cleveland Museum of Art
1591
From the collection of Cleveland Museum of Art
This etching shows an old man with a long white beard sitting in a rocky cave. He’s holding a stone and looking up, like he’s deep in thought. Around him, trees and bushes fill the background, but they’re drawn in a busy, tangled style. The artist used sharp lines and heavy shading to make the man’s face and body stand out against the rough cave walls. His wrinkles and wild hair suggest age and wisdom. Next, check out chiaroscuro to see how light and shadow create drama in art.
